Wednesday, June 1

June New Releases

Yay, the beginning of another month! Maybe things will look better at Breezing Through in terms of reviews! LOL. One can always hope...

Surprisingly, June is quiet month. I'm surprised since it's really the beginning of summer and I thought they'd release more books... but what do I know? Maybe people are too busy during their vacation to read? Yeah, not everybody is like us LOL.

Here is what we are looking forward to :) What about you?

June 1

Beg for Mercy by Jami Aldenpublished by Grand Central Publishing

He lurks in the shadows, waiting and watching... And once he has you, all you can do is. . .

Beg for mercy

Megan Flynn thought she was falling in love. Cole Williams wasn't just handsome and passionate, he was one of the good guys. Or so she thought, until he arrested her brother-the only family she has left-for a murder she knows he couldn't have possibly committed. Now, with her heart broken and her brother's life hanging in the balance, Megan will risk everything to prove his innocence. Even if that means throwing herself into the path of a sadistic killer with a hauntingly familiar MO.

Seattle Detective Cole Williams had given up on making Megan see reason where her brother is concerned. But when she insinuates herself into the most shockingly brutal case Cole has ever worked, he can't stand idly by. Plunged into a secret world where the city's elite indulge their darkest desires, Cole will do whatever it takes to bring down a madman who has made Megan his most coveted prey.

Genre: Romantic SuspenseSeries: Book #1

Nath: This book caught my eyes. Seems like the perfect book if you're in the mood for romantic suspense :P

When Rush Guthrie traded in an elite military career to police his tiny island home town, he got a pretty good deal: a park ranger's badge, a resurrected conscience, and signed of life from his MIA sense of humor. A guy couldn't want anything more. But when Goose turns up--all sexy curves, sad eyes, and thorny questions--Rush realizes he can want more. A lot more.

Fire!

While Goose pursues the island's deepest secrets, Rush pursues the brave, funny woman inside all that careful perfection. But the truths they uncover put everything on the line--life, death and true love. And they'll only get one shot at all of it.

Genre: Contemporary romanceSeries: Money, Book #2

Nath: I'm always on the look-out for some interesting, different contemporary romance and this seems to fit the bill :) I read Money, Honey and thought it was enjoyable.

Yours to Keep by Shannon Staceypublished by Carina Press

Sean Kowalski no sooner leaves the army than he’s recruited by Emma Shaw to be her fake fiancé. Emma needs to produce a husband-to-be for her grandmother’s upcoming visit, and, though Sean doesn’t like the deception, he could use the landscaping job Emma’s offering while he decides what to do with his civilian life. And, despite his attraction to Emma, there’s no chance he’ll fall for a woman with deep roots in a town he’s not planning to call home.

Emma’s not interested in a real relationship either; not with a man whose idea of home is wherever he drops his duffel bag. No matter how amazing his “pretend” kisses are...

Genre: Contemporary romanceSeries: Kowalski Family, Book #3

Nath: This book has been getting some good reviews on blogland :) Hopefully, it measures up to it!

You Belong to Me by Karen Rosepublished by New American Library

Baltimore city Homicide Detective J.D. Fitzpatrick has seen a lot of violence but nothing like the trail of tortured bodies that are turning up throughout the city. And now he's starting to suspect that his medical examiner, Dr. Lucy Trask, may be shielding a dark secret that could connect her to these vicious killings-and put her next on the killer's hit list...

Genre: Romantic SuspenseSeries: Karen Rose RS, Book #12

Ames: Karen Rose is an autobuy author for me.

Nath: I bought the UK version of this book so I've read it already and I really enjoyed it. It's Karen Rose and for me, she is the Queen of RS :P

Hit List by Laurell K. Hamiltonpublished by Berkley

Word has leaked to Anita Blake that hit men are headed for St. Louis- and that she, Jean-Claude, and Richard are the targets.

Genre: Urban Fantasy/ParanormalSeries: Anita Blake, Book #20

Ames: Yes I am still reading this series. Will I read this book? Yes. Will I buy this book? No. So either the library or used book store for this one. But I'm still going to read it.

Hexed by Kevin Hearnepublished by Del Rey (Bantam Books)

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, doesn’t care much for witches. Still, he’s about to make nice with the local coven by signing a mutually beneficial nonaggression treaty—when suddenly the witch population in modern-day Tempe, Arizona, quadruples overnight. And the new girls are not just bad, they’re badasses with a dark history on the German side of World War II.

With a fallen angel feasting on local high school students, a horde of Bacchants blowing in from Vegas with their special brand of deadly decadence, and a dangerously sexy Celtic goddess of fire vying for his attention, Atticus is having trouble scheduling the witch hunt. But aided by his magical sword, his neighbor’s rocket-propelled grenade launcher, and his vampire attorney, Atticus is ready to sweep the town and show the witchy women they picked the wrong Druid to hex.

Genre: Urban FantasySeries: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book #2

Nath: Read and enjoyed Hounded :) Am looking forward to see in what scrape Atticus finds himself :) I like the fact that there are witches in here and perhaps we'll get to know Atticus' buddies better!

Ames: I'm interested in this one because I know you enjoyed Hounded, which I haven't had a chance to read yet.

Everlasting by Alyson Noelpublished by St. Martin's Press

Their epic love story has captured the hearts of millions and enchanted readers across the world. In this beautiful finale, their journey draws to a spectacular conclusion—where all will be revealed.

Their darkest enemies now defeated, Damen and Ever are free to embark upon their final quest—to free Damen from the poison lingering in his body. If they can just find the antidote, they’ll finally be able to feel each other’s touch—and experience the passionate night they’ve been longing for. But their fight to be together will lead them into the most formidable terrain yet... into the dark heart of Summerland.

Here in a land of scorched earth and endless rain, Ever and Damen will discover their relationship’s hidden origins, expose a secret history they never imagined... and come face to face with thetruereason fate keeps tearing them apart. Only then, when the final mystery is unraveled and the last secret revealed, Ever and Damen’s future will hinge on one ultimate decision that will put everything at stake...even eternity.

Genre: Young Adult, ParanormalSeries: The Immortals, Book #6

Monroe: I love this series!!!! I hate this is the final book but at the same time I've been waiting for some much needed resolution!

Bad Company by KA Mitchellpublished by Samhain Publishing

Some things are sweeter than revenge.

“I need a boyfriend.”

Hearing those words from the mouth of his very straight ex-friend is enough to make columnist and editor Nate Gray choke on his Corona. It’s been thirteen years since Kellan Brooks’s father crushed Nate’s family on his climb to wealth and power. Even longer since he entrusted Kellan with the confession that he might be gay—only to have his best friend out and humiliate him to their entire high school. The last thing Nate expects is Kellan begging for his help.

Breaking off his engagement to a senator’s daughter was the last straw for Kellan’s CEO father. Frustrated at being cut off, his father’s stinging words—that he wishes Kellan had never been born—still ringing in his ears, Kellan turns to Nate. In a move worthy of a corporate raider, Kellan plans the ultimate revenge. Come out as the boyfriend of the man his homophobic father betrayed.

Convincing Nate to play along isn’t easy. It’s even harder to figure out why the lie feels so close to the truth.

Warning: Contains old friends, old enemies, a dramatic cat rescue, soft drink references and a lot of teasing before the steamy sex. Readers are cautioned against drinking any beverage while reading to avoid accidental snorting or spraying of said beverages.

Genre: m/mSeries: none

Ames: I really enjoy Mitchell's writing and this one sounds like the good old former-friends-now-enemies-to-lovers theme I do so enjoy! haha

June 14

Trial by Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes published by Egmont USA

Bryn is now leader of the Cedar Ridge pack of werewolves and she's convinced that her pack is different - it's democratic and fair. Then Bryn finds a battered teenage Were, Connor, bleeding on her front porch. He begs Bryn to protect him from an abusive leader; Bryn takes him into her pack.

But Bryn's Were partner Chase doesn't trust the new boy, and the more time she spends helping Connor, the more aggressive Chase becomes. Bryn is not sure if it's jealousy, or Were possessiveness but for the first time she starts to feel suffocated by the bond she and Chase share.

Filled with action, unlikely allies, and deadly conspiracies, Trial by Fire will change Bryn forever. She is soon to realise that to lead a pack of werewolves, she must give in to her animal instincts and become a little less human. And as hard as it's going to be, Bryn is going to have to do it alone.

There can only be one alpha.

Genre: Young Adult, ParanormalSeries: Raised by Wolves #2

Ames: I read and enjoyed Raised by Wolves and can't wait to see what'll happen to Bryn in this sequel. Eep!

Monroe: I've really been meaning to read the first one in this series since Ames loved it so much! I'm gonna need to get both now!

Nath: Still have to read Raised by Wolves first, but this book sounds intense!

Lover of fine poetry and lousy choose-your-own-adventure novels, Professor Sebastian Swift was once the bad-boy darling of the literati. The only lines he does these days are Browning, Frost and Cummings. Even his relationship with the hot, handsome Wolfe Neck Police Chief Max Prescott is healthy.

When one of his most talented students comes to him bruised and begging for help, Swift hands over the keys to his Orson Island cabin—only to find out that the boy’s father is dead and the police are suspicious. In an instant, the stable life Swift has built for himself hangs on finding the boy and convincing him to give himself up before Max figures out Swift’s involvement in the case.

Max enjoys splitting an infinitive or two with his favorite nutty professor, but he’s not much for sonnets or Shakespeare. He likes being lied to even less. Yet his instincts—and his heart—tell him his lover is being played. Max can forgive lies and deception, but a dangerous enemy may not stop until Swift is heading up his own dead poet’s society.

Warning: The Surgeon General has determined that Josh Lanyon’s smart, sexy, sophisticated stories may prove hazardous to your heart.

Genre: m/mSeries: none

Ames: Josh is an auto-buy author for me. :P

June 28

Waking Up with the Duke by Lorraine Heathpublished by Avon (Harpercollins Publishers)

They are masters of seduction, London's greatest lovers...

Renowned for his bedchamber prowess, Ransom Seymour, the Duke of Ainsley, owes a debt to a friend. But the payment expected is most shocking, even to an unrepentant rake—for he's being asked to provide his friend's exquisite wife with what she most dearly covets: a child.

Living for pleasure, they will give their hearts to no one...

Lady Jayne Seymour, Marchioness of Walfort, is furious that such a scandalous agreement would be made. If she acquiesces, there must be rules: no kissing... and, certainly, no pleasure.

Until love takes them by surprise.

But unexpected things occur with the surprisingly tender duke—especially once Lady Jayne discovers the rogue can make her dream again... and Ransom realizes he's found the one woman he truly cannot live without.

Genre: Historical romanceSeries: London's Greatest Lovers, Book #3

Ames: I've read the first 2 books in this series and I'm anxious for this one, it sounds so good!

Nath: Can't wait for this book!! I'm really looking forward to it!! Wonder how the H/H will get their HEA ending!

Silk is for Seduction by Loretta Chasepublished by Avon (Harpercollins Publishers)

From the Design Book of Marcelline Noirot:
The allure of the perfect gown should be twofold:
ladies would die to wear it...
and gentlemen would kill to remove it!

Brilliant and ambitious dressmaker Marcelline Noirot is London's rising star. And who better to benefit from her talent than the worst-dressed lady in the ton, the Duke of Clevedon's intended bride? Winning the future duchess's patronage means prestige and fortune for Marcelline and her sisters. To get to the lady, though, Marcelline must win over Clevedon, whose standards are as high as his morals are... not.

The prize seems well worth the risk—but this time Marcelline's met her match. Clevedon can design a seduction as irresistible as her dresses; and what begins as a flicker of desire between two of the most passionately stubborn charmers in London soon ignites into a delicious inferno... and a blazing scandal.

And now both their futures hang by anexquisite thread of silk...

Genre: Historical romanceSeries: Dressmaker Sisters, Book #1

Ames: I like the sounds of this one. And Loretta is another auto-buy author for me. :P

Nath: Ms Chase is hit and miss for me, but I think this one is going to be a hit :) I like the idea that the heroine is a dressmaker. It's always interesting to have characters not from nobility in that time period!

A Lady's Lesson in Scandal by Meredith Duranpublished by Simon & Schuster

In gritty, working-class London, she does what she must to survive...

When Nell Whitby breaks into an earl’s house on a midnight quest for revenge, she finds her pistol pointed at the wrong man—one handsome as sin and naked as the day he was born. Pity he’s a lunatic. He thinks her a missing heiress, but more to the point, he’ll help her escape the slums and right a grave injustice. Not a bad bargain. All she has to do is marry him.

A notorious ladies' man could take her from poverty to opulence... but at what price?

A rake of the first order, Simon St. Maur spent his restless youth burning every bridge he crossed. When he inherits an earldom without a single penny attached to it, he sees a chance to start over—provided he can find an heiress to fund his efforts. But his wicked reputation means courtship will be difficult—until fate sends him the most notorious missing heiress in history. All he needs now is to make her into a lady and keep himself from making the only mistake that could ruin everything: falling in love...

Genre: Historical romanceSeries: none

Ames: I really enjoy Meredith's writing and this one sounds really interesting!

Nath: I totally agree with you Ames. Ms Duran is another hit and miss author, but the blurb really sounds good! I love that kind of story :)

Being the spawn of two infamous occultists (and alleged murderers) isn't easy, but freewheeling magician Arcadia "Cady" Bell knows how to make the best of a crummy situation. After hiding out for seven years, she's carved an incognito niche for herself slinging drinks at the demon-friendly Tambuku Tiki Lounge.

But she receives an ultimatum when unexpected surveillance footage of her notorious parents surfaces: either prove their innocence or surrender herself. Unfortunately, the only witness to the crimes was an elusive Æthyric demon, and Cady has no idea how to find it. She teams up with Lon Butler, an enigmatic demonologist with a special talent for sexual spells and an arcane library of priceless stolen grimoires. Their research soon escalates into a storm of conflict involving missing police evidence, the decadent Hellfire Club, a ruthless bounty hunter, and a powerful occult society that operates way outside the law. If Cady can't clear her family name soon, she'll be forced to sacrifice her own life... and no amount of running will save her this time.

Genre: Urban FantasySeries: Arcadia Bell, Book #1

Nath: Okay, I love magicians - witches, sorcerers, wizards, etc. - although in my opinion, there are very few series out there with such characters that are really good. Still, I persist. So go figure :P Not totally thrilled about the sexual spells ^_^; but sounds like a book I should give a shot :)

Returning to Terre d'Ange, Moirin finds the royal family broken. Wracked by unrelenting grief at the loss of his wife, Queen Jehanne, King Daniel is unable to rule. Prince Thierry, leading an expedition to explore the deadly jungles of Terra Nova, is halfway across the world. And three year old Desirée is a vision of her mother: tempestuous, intelligent, and fiery, but desperately lonely, and a vulnerable pawn in a game of shifting political allegiances.

As tensions mount, King Daniel asks that Moirin become Desirée's oath-sworn protector. Navigating the intricate political landscape of the Court proves a difficult challenge, and when dire news arrives from overseas, the spirit of Queen Jehanne visits Moirin in a dream and bids her undertake an impossible quest.

Another specter from the past also haunts Moirin. Travelling with Thierry in the New World is Raphael de Mereliot, her manipulative former lover. Years ago, Raphael forced her to help him summon fallen angels in the hopes of acquiring mystical gifts and knowledge. It was a disastrous effort that nearly killed them, and Moirin must finally bear the costs of those bitter mistakes.

Genre: FantasySeries: Kushiel's Legacy, Book #9

Ames: : I'm about 3 books behind in this series but I'm still oh so eager for each book that gets released. People need to read this series!!

I preordered Yours to Keep and hope to start it today. At the Romantic Times Blogger dinner, Angela James said it was the best book she'd read this year. It convince me to start the Kowalski series, and I haven't been disappointed, so far.

I LOVED the excerpt for Bad Company, and it's also preordered. Can't wait to download it tomorrow!